BLM seeks public input on proposed mineral exploration project
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EL CENTRO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management El Centro Field Office is initiating an environmental review and seeking public input on a proposal from Southern Empire Resources Corporation to conduct mineral exploration for gold at the Oro Cruz Pit Area in Cargo Muchacho Mountains in Imperial County.
The proposed project includes approximately two miles of existing road improvements and construction of 6.2 miles of new roads, up to eight helicopter landing pads, 65 drill pads, and a 2.8 acre staging area. The proposed exploration activities would occur within the Picacho Area of Critical Environmental Concern, approximately seven miles north of Ogilby. The surface disturbance on BLM-managed land from the proposed exploration activities is approximately 20.5 acres.
The environmental review will analyze potential impacts to the natural, cultural and recreation resources from the proposed exploration activities. Public input should identify the following: specific concerns; potential alternatives that should be considered and why; references or information that should be considered in the environmental analysis; or sources of credible research. More information about the project is available on ePlanning: https://go.usa.gov/xzg7a.
Public input on the proposed project is due by April 4. Public comments may be submitted through the ePlanning website listed above; by email to mymartinez@blm.gov; by fax at 760-337-4490, Attn: Mayra Martinez; or by mail to Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Mayra Martinez, 1661 S 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243.
Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in a comment, members of the public should be aware that the entire comment, including personally identifiable information, could be made publicly available at any time. While the public may ask the BLM to withhold personally identifiable information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.